Any Rubber Chicken timing chain tensioner failures?

[johngellis]

I fitted a Rubber Chicken timing chain tensioner to the left hand cylinder just after I purchased 1150r six years ago. Over the last couple of weeks (after a oil change) I am hearing what sounds like a timing chain rattle on start up after the bike has been left for a couple of days. It goes away after maybe 30 seconds.

If I stop and start it, no rattle. Only happens on the first start after standing idle for a couple of days.
Because it’s such a long time since I fitted it I can’t remember if there are any seals or wearing parts in the tensioner.
Has anyone else had this tensioner fail?

[maccraith]

I had much the same experience. I replaced the timing chain tensioner which reduced the mechanical noise considerably. But two years later, the noise was back. I thought it was the tensioner, but when I used a stethoscope to locate the noise, it turned out to be coming from the throttle body. I bought a rebuild kit from BeemerBoneyard and replaced the worn bushings, and worn shaft, plus a few O-rings. Voila! No more noise. I should have bought two kits because now my right TB is starting to make noise.

Two things I suggest to you. First, use a stethoscope to track down the source of the noise (if you don't have one, a nice, big screwdriver will do. Put the blade end on the running motor and put the handle to your ear) If you find it is the TB, do a search on this board for something like "Throttle body rebuild kit." You will get a lot of information.

[riceburner]

If you've still got the original LHS tensioner, it's known to be noisy. The OE replacement part works fine. (it's a bit awkward to fit though).